Sansamp DI -> Power amp?

GangstaBean · #1 08-03-2011, 09:36 PM

Noobish question
But I was wondering if I need a preamp. Could I just use my Sansamp DI and run it directly into a power amp and then to cabs? Without a preamp?
Also, what's the point of a power amp, to just give more power?
(Sorry, I'm sort of new to amps/power amps/cabs, and if this was posted before, I'm sorry, I couldn't find a thread that is like this)

cataract · #2 08-03-2011, 09:41 PM

The Sansamp will BE the preamp.

GangstaBean · #3 08-03-2011, 09:43 PM

That's what I figured, so I all need is a power amp and cabs?

cataract · #4 08-03-2011, 09:44 PM

To clarify: the power amp is doing the actual amplification of your signal.
The preamp is kinda like "the flavor" getting amplified.
Preamps need power amps to operate cabinets.

cataract · #5 08-03-2011, 09:46 PM

I suppose you could just use a power amp but without a decent preamplified signal, it won't sound as delicious.

GangstaBean · #6 08-03-2011, 09:47 PM

Okay, thanks. This saves me a buttload of cash.

GangstaBean · #7 08-03-2011, 09:48 PM

So I should use a preamp? My bass has a preamp on it, too.

cataract · #8 08-03-2011, 09:54 PM

You should read about all of the different preamps at your disposal..
The SansAmp BDDI would work just fine as a pre.
There are tons of other really great pedal pre's, and of course rack-mount units.
Do a search on these here forums, and check YouTube for clips of the ones that interest you.
The possibilities are endless!
I'm going to take this time to recommend the VT Bass and the Rusty Box.

runmikeyrun · #9 08-03-2011, 10:12 PM

I used the MXR M-80 as my preamp into my power amp for a while. While it WORKED, I feel it didn't work as well as a dedicated rack preamp would have. I ended up getting a rack EQ which helped but it still never had quite the sound it would have had with a better preamp. I'm sure others will disagree with me (this is TB after all lol) but IME I could have benefited more from a "real" preamp. Part of the problem is that the M-80 only brings your signal back to it's original strength at full volume, so I wasn't driving the amp as hard as I should/could have. Not sure about the Sansamp stuff though.

P.S. you don't have to spend $400-500 on a fender, ampeg, or BBE preamp. there's tons of used stuff out there that's good- ART Pro channel strip, Presonus channel strip, just look around. You can find good rack pre's for a couple hundred bucks. Also, if you have the extra space a rack eq makes a huge difference in your sound. I've found the cheap ones work just as well as the more expensive ones.

Kael · #10 08-03-2011, 10:20 PM

The onboard pre on your bass won't drive a power amp. You need something that will step the voltage up to a level that a power amp can work with. Any SABDDI/paradriver made in the past 5 or so years can do that. If the SABDDI has a switch to go between instrument and line level, it'll drive a power amp.

The SABDDI is a preamp in DI format.

GangstaBean · #11 08-03-2011, 10:33 PM

I made a new thread to help "recommend" me a setup

GangstaBean · #12 08-03-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kael

The onboard pre on your bass won't drive a power amp. You need something that will step the voltage up to a level that a power amp can work with. Any SABDDI/paradriver made in the past 5 or so years can do that. If the SABDDI has a switch to go between instrument and line level, it'll drive a power amp.

The SABDDI is a preamp in DI format.

I know that, I'm getting a DI soon.

I wouldn't run my pre into a poweramp anyways, it's just that my bass sounded sick just going in to SABDDI at the studio today.